Recovery from a nose job is perhaps the most important aspect of the process and there is a lot that goes into it. Researching the procedure, deciding on a surgeon, and making time off arrangements are just the beginning. The actual process of recovery involves some heavy lifting—mostly on your part.

First of all, there are plenty of precautionary steps to take before nose job surgery. If you smoke, it is crucial that you quit, at least several weeks before the procedure. The nicotine, tar, and other carcinogens contained in cigarette smoke can complicate your body’s ability to heal. Vitamins and herbal supplements can cause excessive post-operative bleeding and should also be avoided. Stay out of the sun for at least a week to minimize scarring and discoloration. Keep in mind that swelling and bruising is a normal part of your recovery.

During the first night after surgery, make sure to sleep on your back with your head raised. Lying in this position will reduce bleeding and swelling. You will, no doubt, experience pain while your nose heals from surgery. More than likely, your doctor will prescribe medication for pain management; take it. The comfortable you are, the faster you will heal. Try not to take any over the counter sleeping pills as there is a possibility that you can damage your nose by inadvertently falling asleep on your face.

In order to reduce swelling and manage pain, your surgeon may tape the nose to keep it in place. A lightly applied ice pack every few hours will also help. It is important to remember when icing the nose, do not use heavy pressure. A proper icepack consists of crushed ice loosely packed in a bag, which can shape itself around your nose. Frozen peas work well too!

Patients often complain that their nose looks bigger after surgery. This is a normal phenomenon and largely due to the swelling. You can usually see results after four to six weeks with most of the swelling gone after six months. But, your nose should look fairly normal after a month or two.

Recovery from rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient and is based on a variety of factors such as age, skin condition, and general health. By taking extra care of yourself during the first few weeks of recovery, you should be able to return to normal activities within a week. Healing after a nose job can be a challenge, but with the right game plan you will be on your way to living and loving your newfound beauty.